Power - Peace - Presence

There's a fine balance to co-existing with God's tiniest creatures - specifically bugs! While Mister Bill is faithful to spray, he loves glue traps. I'm convinced my death will come by way of a glue trap! Perhaps you've seen the bumper sticker boasting a "co-existence" between multiple gods. Think again! God's Word says, "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and His Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: 'I am the first and I am the last; besides Me there is no god." (Isaiah 44:6 ESV). Fools and skeptics regard this truth as an idea or theory, however, those who know the God of Scripture do not doubt because they have experienced His power, His peace and His presence. James 2:19 tells us, "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe - and shudder!" God desires all people long for Him alone so He can save and deliver, extending mercy and grace to their souls - it is His nature to do so! He cannot and will not co-exist with any other god - "My glory I will not give to another" (Isaiah 48:11 ESV). Now, since bugs don't seem to be going anywhere, living with and among them is a fine (and thankfully) a manageable balance. Trying to find a balance between The One God and other gods is foolish and futile; it ultimately robs us of the precious rewards of God's ... power, peace, presence.

Run-To

My days of running are long passed! Although I was on the school's track team, I never really enjoyed running; I basically ran to stay in shape for basketball. Thoughts of those days just make this older-me hurt! David writes, "In the LORD I take refuge" (Psalm 11:1a NASB). How very different is our response when trouble comes: our first thought is to take flight, and usually to the wrong person, place or thing. For me, my first call is usually to Mister Bill! David continues, "How can you say to my soul, 'Flee as a bird to your mountain" (Verse 1b). A few chapters earlier David spoke of The LORD as a stronghold, and said this: "Those who know Your Name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You." (Psalm 9:10 NASB). That word "know" in the Hebrew means to know "by experience." They have actually experienced God as the refuge, the stronghold in times of need. Oh what we forfeit when we run-to other people-places-things for our spiritual comfort and strength. Mister Bill has long been my go-to, my run-to - and I pray that will continue; however, he has his limitations. God is all-powerful, ever-faithful and longs to be The One we ... run-to.

His Name

Perhaps like me, you think of some families whose names bring great fondness - good reputations, integrity, kindness. On the other hand, other names ... well, not so much! The psalmist writes, "I will make Your Name to be remembered in all generations; therefore the peoples will praise and give You thanks forever and ever." (Psalm 45:17 AMP). Throughout Scripture, God speaks of His great name. While we are born-into our family's name and we choose the names of our children, no one named God! He introduced and identified Himself to His chosen people. While tending sheep, God revealed His Name to Moses: "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14 ESV). In other words, God is exactly who He is ... He can't be anything nor anyone else. He is every bit as holy and righteous now as He has always been [from eternity past] and will always be [into eternity future]. He can be no other way! His Name represents every good and perfect attribute, characteristic of who He is. As Jesus prayed Himself and taught us to pray, He said address God this way: "Father, hallowed be Your Name" (Luke 11:2 (ESV). We live in a world when God's Name is abused, disrespected, dishonored and watered-down, however, His nature remains what it is - righteous and holy. He says, "I am the Lord; that is My Name; My glory I give to no other." (Isaiah 42:8). How easily we forget the privilege that is ours to sing-of and pray-to I AM, The One of unchanging and holy nature. Yes, what a privilege and joy! May it be my reputation, your reputation - from generation to generation, we ... make His Name known!

Fresh and Precious Overflow

Perhaps we forget just how precious fresh and running water is! The lack of it globally slipped past us as we've grown so accustomed to what naturally happens when we turn on the facet. Hear David, "Sing praises to the LORD, Who dwells in Zion; declare among the peoples His deeds." (Psalm 9:11-12 NASB). Throughout the Old Testament, we read God is enthroned in and above the heavens. He also [symbolically] dwells locally in His tabernacle: "The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD'S throne is in heaven" (Psalm 11:4a NASB). We know, of course, God is omnipresent - He is confined nor limited by time or space; He is in all and above all. What a wonder to declare that now the Redeemed are now God's temple, and that God's Spirit dwell in each of us (1 Corinthians 3:16). How is it then that our spirits lack the precious fresh Living Water of Christ, resembling instead a cistern of stale and stagnant water? Jesus made it clear that whoever believes, in him or her is a heart flowing "rivers of living water" (John 7:38 ESV). The life of a genuine Child of God will overflow with praises to The LORD and will declare His wondrous deeds. We are His tabernacle, His temple bearing daily sacrifices of joy, delight and exuberant praise. Christ alive in us ... a fresh and precious overflow!

Good Practice

Good practices can shape and re-shape our lives. Mister Bill and I have recently begun having a daily protein shake, something for most of our lives we've managed to ... avoid. It's surprising how "good taste" can change your mind about something! David begins Psalm 9 with four "I will" statements: "I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart - I will tell of all Your marvelous works - I will be glad and rejoice in You - I will sing praise to Your Name, O Most High." (Verses 1-2 NKJV). We don't know the circumstances of David's life when he wrote this psalm but [from the rest of the psalm], we learn he was troubled by enemies. We can relate to this, right? We cannot escape times of fear, sorrow and discouragement. We are told in 1 Peter 5:8 the enemy "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." A good practice of David's was to remember the past and how God had delivered him - it made him confident in the present. "The LORD also will be refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble, And those who know Your Name will put their trust in You; for You, LORD, have nasforsaken those who seek You." (Verses 9-10 NKJV). Yes, David knew the God of past deliverance was the God of his present and future deliverance! Mister Bill likes the taste of his Frosted Mango shake and I love my Strawberry Slush - it's a bonus practice that the shakes are good for us. It's always good that we remember the nature of our Great God and His gracious works - yes, remembering is just ... good practice.